and the council action. The topic of tonight's work
session is on the Force Grove Senior and Community Center. And I'm going to turn
it over to our city manager, Jesse Vander.
» Thank you, mayor, members of the council. I have here with me this
evening Ann Lane, director of parks and recreation. Thanks, Ann, for joining us.
Um, I know we have limited time and so we'll try to get through this as soon as
we can. If you could go to the next slide, please, Mariah. Next slide,
please. So, everything that we do here at the city connects back somehow to our
vision 2040 plan. There's two areas in which this work session will connect
back. The first goal statement is a healthy and active community. I'm not
going to go through all of these, but the outcome is to increase recreation
opportunities for all. And if you look down in actions 3.3, 3.6, six and 3.7.
All of those have to do with reducing barriers to participation and trying to
increase opportunities for our community. Next slide.
So this goal statement is community connection. This one actually has a
action specific to the senior and community center. If you look at 4.4
increase and enhance opportunities at the senior and community center and then
if you look at 4.6 increase the number of volunteers and volunteer programs and
improve the culture of volunteerism. 4.2 2 is about exploring opportunities to
create a central community gathering space. The Forest Grove Senior Community
Center has served as a central gathering space in the community for many, many
years that is welcoming for all ages. Next slide, please.
So, there's really kind of two options that we're going to cover tonight. As
the community uh may know, we received a letter from Central Cultural. um they
will no longer be able to operate and manage the senior center after December
31st of 2026. Um and so they have asked the city to
consider this issue and what some of the options might be moving forward after
that date. And there's really kind of two options that are out there. One is
nonprofit operated and managed. That's the way that it has been done since the
inception of the senior center. The other one is B a city operated and
managed in partnership with nonprofits or what we are characterizing as kind of
the hybrid option. Next slide. We're going to talk about each of these in
just a minute. So, the senior center is composed of two separate tax slots. Uh
they were donated to the city in 1972. They were deed in 1993, and that's how
they are currently recorded with the county today. Next slide. A little bit
about uh the facility itself. It was built with what's called community
development block grant funds. That's a federal funding program that was
constructed in 1978. There's a number of agreements that go with it. And what an
agreement is, the CDBG agreement is when you receive federal money, you agree to
use the money in the fashion in which it was granted to you for a period of 20
years. So if you look at the third bullet, encumbered until 2038, that's
based on the kitchen remodel in 2018. So for 20 years, that is a publicly
accessible kitchen that needs to be used in accordance with the program
requirements for the federal funding that we received. The facility is
approximately 9600 square ft. And some of the recent improvements has received
quite a bit of improvements over the years, but most recently within the last
decade, it's had a re- roof, a kitchen remodel, and ARPA stands for American
Rescue Plan Act improvements. So, we had alarm system, floor, windows, doors,
paint, HVAC, and restrooms. If you haven't been to the Forest Grove Senior
Community Center, it's it's looking good. Next slide.
So, the current city budget, uh, this is what's built and programmed into the
city budget as of today. This will be contrasted later with what some of what
Ann will go over in terms of a pro for a budget about what it might look like. Is
currently the city pays all of the utility bills except for the natural
gas. That expense is borne by the nonprofit, in this particular case,
central. Um, and the operating expenses, it costs for for all the utility bills,
it costs approximately $25,000 a year, and that's funded out of the city's
general fund. In terms of capital, the city is responsible for all the
structural maintenance and repairs. That's approximately $15,000 a year, and
that's built into the budget for a total of 40. Next slide.
So, it's been governed by an operating agreement since 1972.
Forest Grove Senior Community Center nonprofit ran it for 1972 to 24. Centro
has been doing it for the past couple years. And basically that operating
agreement when we have a nonprofit that's running it is it defines a
primary purpose. We have a council leaison. It grants what's called an
exclusive operating license. And what that means is the nonprofit has the
ability to operate it to program it to management and to receive and collect
and keep the revenues that are generated from the facility. And then it defines
the obligations of each of the parties. I've already covered some of that. So,
next slide.
I'm going to turn it over to Matrix. And is Matrix online? So,
if you could promote her to a panelist, please. Matrix is going to go through a
little bit of some demographics, some of the use patterns, and then also make a
recommendation about a potential path forward for the city. And then Ann will
follow after Matrix and talk about some of the items that what that might look
like putting it into practice.
All right, you have me now on your end, Jesse and Ann.
» Yep. Hi, Megan. Can you hear us? >> Hey. Yes. Can you hear me? Okay.
» Yes, we can. >> Excellent. Um, so I have a number of
slides here with lots of data. We're going to go through them um quickly just
because I I recognize that there is a a time crunch on this, but um we're
available for questions or additional conversation as needed. Um we can go to
the next slide. So our team is working on the parks,
recreation, open space, and trails master plan. So working closely with Ann
and her team. Um but you know, today we really want to talk about the senior and
community center and how we make that decision on what the next best step is.
So, we won't dig into the small text on all this, but essentially, you know, how
do we help make a defensible decision? And it really comes down to what is the
service model going to be? Um, what's that perform going to look like? What's
the condition of the facility? And then recognizing that there are some
unknowns. So, who's going to utilize? Um, is there a demand that's unmet? And
some of those questions that, you know, we'll get into a little later on what we
think might be the best next steps. So, next slide.
um documented programs. So, currently there is a strong backbone um of
programming at the at the center. There's health and wellness, there's
some nutrition and food programming. Um there are quads and social events that
are held there, events and fundraisers, rentals, and then there's some day
trips, education and skill support, wellness services, sort of a
well-rounded um uh backbone of programming. We go to the next slide.
Um, so in terms of demographics, obviously you all are very aware that
Forest Grove has a unique and diverse population and it continues to shift and
broaden. Um, and so these are one of the, you know, this is one of the things
we're going to look at when we start thinking about what's the right program
mix for the facility long term. Um, recognizing that about 40% of the
population falls in that 25 to 64 year old range, which is working adults. Um
obviously you guys have a pretty strong 18 to 24
um percentage of your population through Pacific University and then you know
there's that 65 plus that's a smaller but strong portion of of the population
as well. Next slide. Um another important part of this whole
conversation is not just um age in the population but also ethnicity. So
understanding that um 31% of the community is Hispanic and Latino and
that we want to make sure that you know whatever the next step is in this
process that we ensure we meet every need in the community and how the
residents um view the center. Go to the next slide.
So this is just a snapshot of some statewide recreation trends. Um the
point here really being that across all sort of of the the considerations at the
top there of ethnicity, households with disabilities, statewide, urban versus
rural. Um there's, you know, top three things across the board are a desire for
clean and well-maintained facilities, um access to restrooms, and then free of
charge or lowcost recreation opportunities.
Um, next slide.
So, part of our process, and we're early in this and still growing through um
some of our community engagement, but our team is um working on a series of
many polls. They just closed. So, each of them were um targeted to certain
topics. So, current conditions, park usage, recreational programming,
recreational improvements, and then this most recent being the aquatics and
community center. Um, the aquatics and senior center, I'm sorry. And we had a
team on site dur um couple weeks ago, little bit of impact from some smoke and
some weather, but they were able to get out in the community and have a few
conversations that are going to help us define what our next step in the
community engagement process is. You'll go to the next slide. Um so these
responses are to the series of five mini polls. This data is about two weeks old.
So um as of today when we closed the last mini poll we have about 3,000 views
um 2200 visits about 820 contributors. And I think an important piece is that
last aquatics and senior center poll that just closed um had 260 responses.
So one of the highest of the five across the board.
We go to the next slide. Um, as I said, we were on site in August. Um, a little
impacted by weather. We intended to be at National Night Out, and a couple
other events that were cancelled, but we were able to go out and talk to some
folks at these places. We were at the senior and community center. We were at
the library, the aquatic center. Um, we met some folks in Lincoln Park. and then
um obviously got a heavy um voting at Pink Spoon.
We'll go to the next one. Um so when we look at the results so far of the
engagement that we've seen, there's a couple things that stand out. Um one of
which is just representation across the board. So, we recognize that, you know,
through the many poll responses about 84% of respondents were identified as
Caucasian or white, which means that's a a demographic and a target community
that we have not reached through the many poll responses. And that'll be um
something that we intend to go out into the community and sort of broaden how we
address that. Um the same with youth. It's hard to expect a a youth or a
12-year-old or a 10-year-old to, you know, take a mini poll online, but it is
something that we intend to be out in the community and talk to kids because
it's important to understand um what they want through a lot of these
processes. Again, the aquatics and senior center
when we developed this presentation, it was still a little early to know what
the poll was going to indicate. Um but now we do know a little bit more. and um
that statement that a need for increased communication and unmet demand kind of
persisted throughout even even after the 260 responses. So there's definitely an
unmet demand for um some aquatics programming and then also some
recreation programming that we've seen through this community engagement
exercise. And the last piece is um there were 330 written comments that we
received as part of the many poll responses. um we will spend some time
aggregating and going through those and creating themes. We haven't done that
yet because they just closed yesterday. Um but those often give us a little more
insight into the specifics rather than just the broad questions.
So we can go to the next slide. Um so what improvements would you most like to
see? This question was offered both in the on-site engagement and through the
many polls. Um and just high level you'll see here um walking and biking
trails was far and above the most cited thing that we heard um in addition to
more sports and fitness facilities and upgraded playgrounds. So across the
board those rode to the top rose to the top and the improvements um that folks
wanted to see both through voting in on-site engagement and then also through
the many polls. Next slide.
Um so the second question was um what major investment over the next 10 years
would respondents like to see? Um so interestingly only 60% of many poll
respondents said that their programming needs were being met. Um with 50 cents
56% of them indicating that there was a need for indoor recreation space. Um and
children and teens were most frequently referenced for the focus of programming.
Um but you'll see here that recreation programming was last on the list of
desired investment. So I think that divergent uh that divergence needs um to
be studied a little more on our end to just understand is it an education piece
or is it you know having conversations with the community on what's possible?
Um and that's really something we hope to dig into through our next phases of
community engagement.
Next steps. So what does all that mean in terms of what um what might be next
for the senior and community center? So this is sort of how we think that those
trends and demographic themes might be um applicable to to today. So first, you
know, repositioning from a true senior center to an all ages community wellness
hub fits with the vision 2040 plan and it serves as much of your population as
possible. um really leading with social connection to ensure that the community
feels connected to the space and to one another. Um there's definitely a
loneliness epidemic that's being studied as a trend throughout the country and
this is an opportunity to address that. Um the operating model though has to be
built on partnerships. The city can't do it alone and so building on that
programming partnership and service delivery partnership is going to be very
important. Um the space is great. Um, it offers multiple rooms, lots of
opportunities to be flexible in what you're scheduling and who's in the
building at any given time, but also throughout the day. Um, funding
resources and cost recovery is going to be a key to success. I think Ann's going
to touch on that in a few minutes, so she'll sort of talk through what that
cost recovery might look like. Um, and then across, you know, the United
States, we're seeing a trend in more intergenerational programming. So,
really being able to lean into that in this facility. And then ensuring that
access in the programming mix and the service delivery model is there. So
including language, transportation, programs offered, affordability is all
going to be important through the next steps.
Go next slide. So all that to say, um there's a couple
of things we would recommend in terms of what do we continue, what do we expand,
and then what do we develop. This is sort of an outline of those things. Um,
we continue the health and wellness programming. There's an opportunity to
expand meals and nutrition, expand the social and recreation programming. Um,
develop some lifelong learning opportunities, specifically utilizing
Pacific University and other partnerships. Um, there's an opportunity
to expand rentals and event space use and then to develop some support
services um through partnerships with the county
and other players.
go to the next slide. Um, so this is just a snapshot of what's currently
offered. Um, you know, just a a sort of an average of a a couple of calendars
put together. Um, there's a strong backbone as we said earlier, but with
the right op with the right resources and operational model, there's
definitely an opportunity to expand and to meet a broader segment of the
community. So, if we flip to the next slide, you'll see
um so again, this is what a fully built out potential could look like. Um still
really focusing on that older adults and senior programming, but also able to tap
into youth, teen, and family. But the other piece of this is being able to
understand what rentals and partnerships could look like in terms of a revenue
generator. What you'll see here is some grayed out areas. that would be what
staff likely can't cover currently. So that's when we're looking at additional
costs potentially for personnel and could come later in the process when we
understand what the rental um market looks like and how many you know people
want to be in the space at that time. But um the point here would be we don't
want to get rid of any current programming but there's certainly an
opportunity to expand um availability. We'll go to the next slide. So, um, city
manager covered this a minute ago. You currently provide, um, some funding
through utility and operating. Um, you've contributed significantly to
capital through grant funding and the overall facility structure. um positions
are currently funded in the general fund and some of those could shift to provide
coverage at the center in addition to some of those volunteer and intern
opportunities to cover gaps utilizing partnerships program agreements um and
really defining what that looks like over time. And that last piece is sort
of what I just mentioned that additional personnel could be added over time when
programming and rental capacity exceeds what your current staff is able to do.
and go to the next slide. So, the facility um is in good condition. We had
architect and um a an MEP contractor come out and take a look. Um it's in
good condition. Primary issue is lack of storage and some spaces that no longer
really align with their original intended use. That's a relatively easy
thing to overcome. Um mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, a lot of it's
been upgraded. It's certainly been maintained well. So, there's a couple of
things like any building that may need to be addressed, but there are no um no
big expenses that we anticipate will be upcoming um for the facility.
So, to get back to the the main question here is sort of what's the potential
operating model for the future of the facility. Um the city manager alluded
to, you know, the nonprofit model versus the hybrid and some of the benefits of
each. So, in the nonprofit model, which is what we've seen historically, um you
know, that organization would staff the building. They provide the services, but
they also are keeping the revenue and they have exclusive use of the building.
Um so, that really limits the city's ability to expand the programs and
services that they can offer. with a hybrid model. Um we would, you know,
expect that those nonprofits and partners are still in the mix and that
they're still assisting with the programs and services um and helping
with fundraising and event management. But the city would be the day-to-day
operator of the facility and then continue current programming as it
exists today, but also be able to expand offerings like we just showed in that
schedule where maybe there's an opportunity to reach a broader segment
of the community.
Um so through just the demographics and some of the um preliminary public
engagement that we've received, we feel like the recommended model based on a
couple different things would be the hybrid model. Um really an opportunity
to position the building as a a flexible all ages hub still anchored by some of
those programs that you see today. Um but also understanding that you know it
relies on very successful partnerships and um support through the nonprofit and
partners that you already have and who are already in the facility.
» Thank you very much Megan for that. Uh so the last part of this evening's
presentation provides for a more detailed look at each of the operational
and management frameworks. Next slide.
Option A is the nonprofit operated and managed model.
The transition plan for this option is estimated to take approximately four
months and would follow a RFP process, a request for proposals process much like
last time. That would kick off in September and be wrapped up by the end
of the year. Uh as of current, the city has not been approached by any entity
expressing interest in operating and managing the facility.
Option B is the cons, as the consultant recommended, the hybrid model where the
city operates and manages the facility in partnership with nonprofits.
The transition plan for this option includes staff development of approaches
to address operations, staffing, budget, programming, and partner development.
Components of the transition plan will be broken down in the following slides.
Uh first for the first year the city would take a do no harm approach to the
operational structure of the facility. Existing programs would continue to be
supported while also exploring opportunities to expand into
multi-generational programs. Facility hours would be maintained at a
minimum of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Current leases and
rental agreements would be honored. Communications associated with the
operations of the facility would be folded into the city's existing
structures such as website, social media, newsletters, etc. And as the city
develops a communications and branding plan, the facility would be considered
for subbranding to create a unique identity within the city. Throughout the
first year, staff will be taking the time to conduct a thorough assessment of
the complete operation and develop opportunities that will help enhance and
optimize the asset for the community.
Parks [clears throat] and recreation department is uniquely skilled and
positioned to assume operational and management responsibility of the
facility. The existing full-time recreation coordinator would be
reclassified to recreation supervisor and be the on-site staff in charge of
day-to-day operations of the facility. The existing full-time administrative
specialist currently housed at the aquatic center would split time between
both facilities. The existing cashier team would be
cross-trained to work at both facilities, filling staffing gaps and
providing necessary customer service coverage.
In time, this team will need to expand to ensure adequate coverage is met at
both facilities. The additional facility would require
additional custodial and landscaping maintenance. Internal and external
options would be explored to meet this need appropriately.
Volunteers would hold a significant role in operations of the facility and for
the department through the creation of a staffmanaged volunteer program.
Financial assumptions made by staff during review of this opportunity are
based on current known conditions. An understanding that these conditions may
change upon assuming full operational and management responsibility will be
necessary. The initial budget developed for this
opportunity assumes that the existing level of city budget allocation will
continue that the recreation coordinator and recreation program funding from the
levy will also continue. It is also assumed that the administrative
specialist and cashiers will continue as budgeted. As mentioned earlier, assuming
responsibility for the facility will require additional personnel to maintain
coverage. Should the city operate and manage the
facility, all revenues generated by the city will be retained by the city.
Revenue generation would be dependent on programming and nonprofit participation.
The city would seek to continue andor reinstate programs and events that have
and or can generate revenue. Working with nonprofits on potential fundraising
opportunities for the facility will also be an avenue of re revenue generation.
By adding the facility to the inventory of assets, it can be assumed that
staffing expenses will increase as well as custodial and landscaping expenses
and ongoing operational expenses. It can also be assumed that there will be an
increase in one-time equipment expenses.
With all the financial assumptions made, the table shown is a representation of
year 1 operations and management of the facility and associated budget impacts.
Staff is estimating that rents and leases will increase revenue by $25,000
and it is reflective of new and/or expanded rents and leases and not a
change to any existing rents or leases. With the addition of indoor programmable
recreation space, it is estimated that programs and events will increase
revenue by $10,000 and increase expenses by $5,000,
resulting in a net revenue gain of $5,000.
Personnel expenses are estimated to increase by 21,200
and reflects the status change of the recreation coordinator advancing to
recreation supervisor and additional cashier hours. Custodial expenses are
estimated to increase by 15,200 and landscaping expenses to increase by
7,800. Facility maintenance is estimated to
increase by 10,000, materials, supplies, and services by 5,000, and utilities and
insurance by 1,000. The net result is an increase in expenses totaling $30,200.
Another component staff has reviewed as it would relate to the city assuming
operations and management of the facility is programming.
The first year of operations will consist of assessment of existing
programs and services held at the facility. Dependent upon findings,
adjustments may be made to optimize participation, access, and facility
optimization. Existing parks and recreation department
programs will also be assessed for expansion into yearround indoor
opportunities. New programming opportunities would
would exist with the addition of indoor space that could accommodate year-round
special interest programs, services, and events that yield high participation.
Revenue generation, maximizes facility use, and serves multiple generations in
a goal is a goal for the department.
Much like the approach that would be taken with programming, the first year
of operations will consist of assessment of existing part partnerships associated
with the facility as well as with the parks and recreation department. This
would include an assessment of the partners' role, their alignment with the
city's purpose, and the service or services they provide. Along the way,
new partnership opportunities would be explored and all partnerships would have
to have an assurance of mutual benefit to be considered viable.
At this time, we welcome questions and discussion regarding the preferred
operating model of the existing Forest Grove Senior and Community Center.
» Thank you, Director Lane. I'm going to go with Council President Valenuela and
then Councelor Falconer. Thank you, mayor, and thank you for this
beautiful job, the presentation, everything very clear.
Um, so thank you for all the hard work that was put into this presentation.
That being said, it's always amazing to me that we have a
certain percentage of Latino population that for some reason is very difficult
to reach out to. So again I will give my advice when we
have consultant for example we have central cultural we have muheres
they can certainly provide a lot of support in terms of outreach
so can teachers at the schools so I ask you that I ask
you to please take that into consideration because we get 6% 13%
response out you know, a population of 31 Latinos that we have. Okay? And I'm
just saying this for future practice because it's not the first time that I
say it and um it's 31%. So, you know, I would
appreciate the effort to bring up this number for participation because these
things are important for the entire community. Okay. So that being said, if
I may, um, in terms of volunteers, you know, a
lot of things come to my mind. you have a Pacific University,
you know that you can connect with professors, with faculty that can
certainly um make something happen in terms of volunt volunteerism uh from
their students, you know, uh to do something good uh for for the
surrounding community. Um, also the high school,
the high school, uh, you have teachers that are looking for opportunities also
to connect their students with some type of volunteer work in the community. And
I think having generations, the youth and the elderly is such an important uh
component of growing up and you know giving them these opportunities. I think
it would be really really great. H so those are um those are my comments and
my suggestions uh to make this beautiful work happen. Thank you. Thank you very
much. Um I know that uh Megan shared briefly about the the result of the
polls and the outreach that they've done so far. Um I just want to reiterate that
they really are just getting started and these are preliminary results on sort of
the first run. Um but they've got many more months ahead of them of of outreach
and you know fine-tuning um to to make sure that we really are reaching the the
whole community as best we can. >> And you can always call on me to to
help. >> You got it. And [laughter]
thank you and I agree. Thank you council president for your comments. And I would
just like to say that there might be an opportunity in September with back to
school nights. Yeah. Right. Yeah. I mean, I just think
that that I think that we have struggled. I think and I've heard
council president, I mean, we've some of us have said this, like we know that we
need to do more to engage with all of our community members and especially our
Latinx community. And so, um, maybe it's through the schools. Uh, I think back
like every single school will have a back to school night in September. And I
think that, you know, since they're early in the process, you know, SEMA
will be there. We'll have translation services. And I think, you know, when
you're I think it's a twofold because those partnerships, you know, could also
be with the school the school district resource office, the CLC, you know, when
all of these things are that's that's the way we, you know, I'm know I'm
speaking to the choir, but that's how we get things done in Force Grove is that
we all come together um >> you know, and work together. Okay.
Sorry, councelor Falconer, your updates. >> Thank you. Um, Megan and Director Lane.
Well, I thank you so much for sort of calling out the discrepancy between, you
know, some of that some of those demographic data points and the
preliminary outreach results. um a question that I have about you know
sort of tracking you know those are those are two data you know I think you
you know you sort of you know you've kind of focused on like age and race um
as data points um I would if if it aren't already so maybe this is a
question and a and a comment if we aren't already you know I think it's
really important in particular for recreation and programming at a site
like this um you know if we're not already asking for demographic
information about income as well as housing housing status. I think housing
status in particular gets sort of lost as one of those demographic stat you
know data points that we that people don't tend to think to collect. Um but I
think for things like transportation for recreational opportunities folks who
rent are at a very clear disadvantage and disparity when it comes to
opportunities um and access to to these types of services. So, I would hope and
and if we, you know, if we're not already, um, if we can please start
asking for that information when we're collecting this data, um, I really
really want us to start as sort of like a practice um, to do that because I
think, you know, we get really skewed results um, from homeowners um, and from
folks with higher incomes. And that is um you know that can really sort of
influence the kind of pro recreational programming that you know that we sort
of hear from the community that they want and there again maybe we're not
meeting the needs of of you know the most vulnerable vulnerable people in our
community. >> Thank you. Thank you, councelor
Falconer, and I second that statement and so does other your colleagues here
too are nodding their head. Yes, councelor Shiml,
» I also echo the the presentation. Thanks for for bringing this to us.
So I you know two um two thoughts that that intersect. One is the the re uh
involving asurances. One is the assurance of your your staff and the
facilities you have and ability to maintain them. And then there's the
assurance to the the seniors and programming that exists there and being
able to retain them in that first year. And and uh correct me or clarify the
we're we're bringing our current staff and and stretching them across this
facility. So there's that. if you could speak to that and and then Jesse on the
budget piece is can we anticipate a a budget adjustment decision or does our
current budget give you enough latitude and covering this this 30,000 and
possibly uh contracting with an existing staff in
the facility today to help that first year?
So, so the staffing shift that you're asking about, [clears throat] the
current recreation coordinator that will be uh reclassified to recreation
supervisor uh is currently housed upstairs at city hall. Um placing that
person over in a facility where the public can actually access them uh
easily is a huge benefit. >> Yeah, huge benefit.
um and [clears throat] that person will be present uh public facing and engaging
directly with people that are coming into the facility. So I think that right
there is a barrier eliminator for a lot of people. They just, you know, they
have questions, they need to talk to people. Um so [clears throat] and then
also uh shifting that expertise of existing
admin staff over there to assist with and building the structure of customer
service um and making sure that people that come into the facility get the
experience that they're looking for. Um we have that existing uh we we do need
to backfill um with cashiers that are uh under the direction of the
administrative specialist uh that are are trained customer service support
staff. >> How about your current facilities?
Are are you saying that in this plan there's no compromise to maintaining
your the facilities you already have across your portfolio? So the the only
other customer service point facility we have is the aquatic center. Um I think
there will be great benefit in being able to cross trainin those cashiers. Um
with at the senior and community center as well as the aquatic center they
become much more versed in the total operation of what parks and recreation
has become for Forest Grove. Um and th those folks already exist. Uh yes, there
will be need to be some back fill with cashiers, but we expect that with year
one, it's going to it's going to be a kind of a slow ramp up. Um at least
that's kind of what we're hoping for is a bit of a slow ramp up while we get our
feet under us and and we can figure out what the rhythm of the building is and
where the needs really are greater. So
» any other or did you have more to say? I was going to say with regard to the
budget, I was going to uh ask Kim Eel, our assistant city manager, to respond
to the budget question. >> Hi, Kim Eel, assistant city manager. Um,
we do believe that the budget will be able to absorb the current budget will
be able to absorb um this additional cost as uh Ann Lane has put it so well.
We will slowly be ramping up and if there is any change that we need to make
to the budget, we'll be monitoring that closely. Can always bring that u forward
to the council. It'll also be part of the budget discussions for the next
bienium going into next spring.
Okay, any further questions? I'm seeing none. So, let's get let's
come to consensus on the models. So, the two operating models we could choose
from was model one, which was nonprofit. Wait, I want to say something before we
get to this. Um, you know, for very many years, longer, more years than I've been
alive, we've had nonprofits helping the city provide the service. And, you know,
I want to take the opportunity to say we really do appreciate that. Both the
Forest Grove Senior Center board and Central Cultural have done a wonderful
job in partnering with the city to provide services for seniors. Um, so I
say that now and I want to be really clear that the the decision this council
makes as a governing body has nothing to do with the quality of work that these
groups have done for the city and the respect and value that we have for them.
So now I'll go back. Thanks. Um, so we can either do option one which is a
nonprofit model and an RFP process or we can start building out a hybrid model. I
guess that's we switch from one to A and B. Okay. So, either we can choose. So,
is there anyone that would like to do the nonprofit RFP model?
Is there consensus to do the hybrid model? Just thumbs up or head nods,
hands raised. Okay, we're going to move forward with the hybrid model, please.
» Just one addition. Will there be a period of transition where central will
be there and then city will be there? I think so.
» Thank you very much for asking that question. I I did intend to mention that
along the way. Um, we really hope that once we we get through the the
formalities here that we will start this conversation with Centro ASAP and uh we
hope to have staff placed even just part-time over there uh as soon as
October so we can start to learn the function of the building, get to know
the patrons, get to know the people that um are leasing space in there,
understand the relationships and commitments uh and just again the rhythm
and the flow. of the building. You got you have to be there to to know it. So,
uh in hopes that when December 31st rolls around and then we move to January
1, it it won't feel too different is the hope.
Okay, great. Thank you. I'm going to adjourn this work session. We're going
to take about a 10-minute bio break and then reconvene for our meeting. And I'm
sorry to everyone
Good evening. Welcome back after our summer hiatus. I would like to call to
order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council on Monday, August 24th at
7:23 p.m. Will our city recorder please call roll.
» Council President Venuela >> here. [music] Councelor Shiml
» here. Councelor Falconer >> here.
» Councelor Martinez >> here. Councelor Marshall
» here. >> Mayor Wenszel
» here. I'm having difficulties with my Okay. Uh
we acknowledge the land on which Forest Grove is located rest on the traditional
village sites of the Atalotti, a tribe of the Calapoua who originally inhabited
the Twolitan Plains, including Forest Grove. They are now part of the
Confederate tribes of Grand Ron. For more information on the atlotti, visit
the Pacific University libraries. Will the council in the audience please join
me in the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
Okay, I remembered my glasses today. I'm like [clears throat] a newly
reader person and it worked. I just can't see out there now. I'm not really
used to it. Okay, so bear with me and I apologize.
Okay, so I would like to start with National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Whereas on September 11th, 2001, nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who were
going about their normal routines were taken from us, depriving families and
loved ones of a lifetime of precious moments. And whereas in response to this
tragedy, Americans across the country came together in a remarkable spirit of
unity and carried out countless acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.
And whereas community organizations and family members of 9/11 victims began
observing the anniversary of September 11th as a charitable service day to
honor the memory of those who were lost and those who united in response to the
tragedy, including first responders and
volunteers. And whereas on September 11th, 2026 and
on the days leading up to the and following this day, citizens of Forest
Grove have an opportunity to participate in activities that honor 911 victims and
heroes by joining together in service projects to meet community needs. And
whereas on Friday, September 11th, 2026 at 900 a.m., the public is invited to
attend a remembrance ceremony at the Big Flag to reflect on the 25th anniversary
of the attacks, the lives lost, and pay tribute to the families who still live
with extraordinary pain. Now therefore, the city council of the city of Forest
Grove does hereby proclaim September 11th as National Day of Service and
Remembrance in Forest Grove, Oregon and encourages all residents of Forest Grove
to honor the lives of those lost through participation in community service and
remembrance ceremonies on this day and throughout the year. Thank you.
Proclamation consider
No,
extraordinary.
Victim
personel.
Forest. grow.
Reflection. Reflection. Extraordinary
Forest Grove
in Forest Grove.
That's it. Thank you, Council President Valenuela. We are now going to move on
to item B on the agenda, which is public comment. Time provided for anyone
wishing to speak to the council on any item not scheduled for a public hearing.
Comments are limited to 2 minutes unless additional time is granted by the
presiding officer. The public comment period shall not exceed 30 minutes
unless extended by the council. Zoom attendees may use the raise hand option
to be called on. And we have two people signed up for public comment. We'll
start with Mr. Dale FE.
» Good evening, Mr. FE. >> Good evening, Mayor Winsel and Council
President Valuelia and Council B.
I had when I do public comment to the county commissioners, this falls back.
So I just have to check I don't fall back. Hurt myself. Sorry.
May I have three minutes? >> You may.
» Thank you. I sent you two emails. I'm going to talk about those two emails.
One has to do with others have a right to expect from us and what we have a
right expect from others. that has to do with Merkeley and wildfires.
I ended I went to the Chamber of Commerce uh meeting today in which the
pres the two talkers were uh Mlan Representative Mlan and Senator
Sman uh and they they spoke I asked a
question and they both spoke about the incident that happened to Senator Mlan
out at the sewage and treatment plant in Forest Grove. She was verbally ousted.
She her glasses were taken off of her and thrown and she the sheriff or police
department came and they arrest him and he has a court date. Uh it was very
clear for both of our representatives that that's inappropriate behavior and
that people need to act civily even though they disagree with each other.
And it's very important that that occur. I think before I did talk with you the
email I sent you about what others have a right to expect from us. what we have
a right to expect from them and in particular there are aid of them
that we do not steal what belongs to them. We do not injure their health,
damage their bodies or kill them. That we do not interfere with their freedom
of action when their conduct in no way injures us and that we do not make false
statements that would injure their reputation or give them a bad name. I
just hope you, I'm sure you do, and everybody else involved in the political
system, in the governmental system adheres to good ethics and behavior.
Just hope that I made a presentation to the Hillsboro
City Council. You know, when I send my emails, I send it usually to four mayors
and I usually make comment here, but also I made comment at the Hillsboro
city council meeting in the last meeting they had. I shared this with them. Uh
they agreed with me. The city manager of Hillsboro came up to me later and said,
"Thank you, Dale, for your comments and we read your emails." So, I much
appreciate them doing that and taking seriously what I send to them. the
wildfire. Uh I live in a wildfire zone in Forest Grove. I'm real concerned. I
even had some uh arbivide cut down because we're in a fire wild wildfire
area and you really have to be careful in doing that. But that's just local.
We're talking about forest broke figure. We're talking about the county. We're
talking about the state. And so Senator Mkeley introduced the wildfire smoke
emergency declaration act. And in my email to you, I ask each of you to take
a look at that and really support his bill. We need all the help we can get.
So if you haven't looked at it, please take a look at it. It's very important.
Thank you. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. V. Our second
public comment is Miss Carol Allery.
Hello. Good evening. >> Hey, I'm glad you guys all had a
vacation. We all needed it. There's a lot been going on this last year.
Anyway, uh and thank you for the information on uh what you're doing with
the 9/11. I think that's an awesome thing that we're doing here. What I just
have to share is I always come and I share the word of God with you guys
because I think you need to be blessed by what he has to say. 1 Corinthians
2:6:10 says, "We teach wisdom to people who are mature, but the wise we teach uh
not from this world. It is not the wisdom of the rulers of this world, nor
are losing who are losing their powers, but we speak God's secret wisdom that
has been hidden from everyone until now. God has planned this wisdom for your
glory. He planned it before the world began. None of the rulers of this world
understood this wisdom. If they had understood it, they would have not
killed our great and gracious Lorden on a cross. But scriptures say, "No one has
ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one can ever imagine what God has prepared
for those who love him." Perfect love casts out all fear. And our Lord Jesus
Christ offers that to anyone who loves him. May that bless you today. And may
you have a wonderful evening. >> Thank you, Miss Allerie.
There are no other individuals signed up for public comment. Is there anyone in
the audience who would like to give public comment?
Maybe a hesitation in the back. We're very kind up here.
While you're decided, I'll ask, is there anyone on Zoom who would like to give
public comment? Anybody on Zoom, please use the raise
hand feature if you would like to give public comment.
I'm not seeing anybody, so I'm going to ask again. In the audience, would you
like to give public comment? No. Okay. Yes.
Okay. Sounds good. Uh for those watching or maybe councelor Falconer, they're
going to speak with Director Lane later. Um I I would believe probably about the
senior center work session. Thank you for attending. Um okay, we're going to
move on to our consent agenda. Consent agenda items considered routine that are
adopted with a single motion without discussion. Councilors may remove items
prior to the motion to adopt. Any removed items are discussed and acted
upon following the approval of the remaining items. What is the wish of the
council? >> Move.
» Second. >> Councelor Marshall made the motion and
councelor Martinez seconded the consent agenda. All those in favor, please say
I. I. >> I. I. All those opposed hearing none.
The consent agenda is approved in a 6 to zero vote. Thank you. Additions and
deletions. City manager, do you have any additions or deletions?
» No additions or deletions. Thank you, mayor.
» Thank you. Any proposed by counselors seeing or hearing? None. We will now
Nope. We will not. We will move on to item F, which is public hearings,
ordinances, and resolutions. And our first resolution is from is resolution
202635. And I'm going to ask that our parks and
rec director, Lane, come up to the microphone.
I'm going to make sure I don't have any scripts.
Sorry. I'm just making sure I don't have There's no public hearings on this,
right? Nothing. No. Okay, cool.
Seems like a whole lot of
the first slide.
Just very briefly, um, back on July 14th, the city was notified of an
opportunity of two or actually rather three parcels of land that were coming
for auction on July 16th. Uh, city expressed an interest in uh, being a
bidder on those parcels as they are adjacent to uh, Kyle Park, the future
future park to be developed down along Gails Creek. Um so after review um and
great discussion we decided that we would go ahead and p pursue this. Um and
it was [clears throat] the city did end up being the the winning bidder on two
parcels. Uh it was very exciting. It was a mad dash and it was a little stressful
but we got in and we made it happen. So, I just want to go through um these
couple parcels with you. Slide.
Uh the two parcels that we were winning bidder on were number 400 and 401 that
are circled on the map there. Uh lot 203 that's in the square. That's the
existing Kyle Park property. Um the third parcel that was up for auction
that we did not bid on was lot 500. that's in blue directly north of 401.
So, if you back up just briefly one time, uh the green highlight that's
across there, that is the future route of the Forest Grove Loop Trail.
» All right. Can Can I ask a question? Yeah. um lot 401 like that's not going
to impede like not getting that lot has nothing to do with us being able to
develop the the loop trail and that's correct
» access it because we have access points at 203 is that right or
» so we have access points at 203 but the trail actually runs on top of an
existing utility easement >> okay
» uh so we'll develop that surface uh into a a drivable surface that um will be
reinforced for large. Got it.
» Okay. >> You guys the other day.
» Um so, first brief look at lot 400. This was the first property that was on the
auction block. Uh it was also our top priority lot to acquire. 4.97 acres.
Shares uh its east property line with Kyle Park and its north property line
with the Forest Grove Loop Trail. Uh there is also a certificate of water
rights with this parcel uh to Gail's Creek. Uh benefit is of course direct
connection to Kyle Park and opportunity for future park expansion. This parcel
is uh largely in flood plane but uh is a terrific opportunity for nature park
experience. Next
lot 401. This was the third property on the auction block. Uh but it was our
second priority lot to acquire. Uh this totals 14.76 acres on this lot. Shares a
property line to the north with the future Forest Grove Loop Trail. It too
has a certificate of water rights. Uh water rights are um a big deal. Let's
just say that. Uh benefit of this parcel is uh just its size in general, but a
lot of creek frontage and its close proximity to Kyle Park. Uh there's also
terrific opportunity although a lot of it is in flood plane for uh again nature
park uh experience
» and that is it. So we were the successful bidder. Um those two parcels
uh [laughter] we were high bid total came to $217,800.
um purchase of that came from or would come from the parks systems development
charges. Well, any questions from council for
director Lane? Yes, I see councelor Shiml. Well, just to confirm my
understanding and maybe the right language to describe the funds used to
purchase this as well as the metro funds used to reimburse it.
So, also on the agenda coming up next will be um discussion about the
acquisition reimbursement from Metro. But even if that reimbursement wasn't
available, the the money that uh would be used to to make this purchase comes
from what's called parks systems development charges. Those are fees that
are charged to developers when they construct things in town. And it's a per
door charge that goes into a special account that we use um to expand
recreational opportunity.
Perfect. Okay. What is the wish of the council?
» So move 2026-35.
Move to adopt. >> Okay. Perfect. So, resolution 2026-35
was moved by councelor Shiml and seconded by councelor Martinez. Any
discussion?
Seeing no discussion, want to make sure I'm looking at councelor Falconer.
Um, no discussion. Okay. Uh, because it has to do with land acquisition, we're
going to do a roll call vote.
» Oh, wait. Can you read it by Listen, it's my first meeting back after a
month. Give me a break. I caught myself like Jesse's looking. Will the city
manager please read the resolution by title only?
» Resolution 2026-35 authorizing the purchase of property
identified as tack lot tax lots 1 s41000-00400
and 1-0041
for the expansion of adjacent city park property and authorizing city manager to
complete the purchase. >> Okay, great. And now, will the city
recorder please call for the vote? >> Councelor Martinez,
» yes. >> Councelor Marshall,
» yes. >> Council President Valenzuela,
» yes. >> Councelor Shimo,
» yes. >> Councelor Falconer,
» yes. >> Mayor Wel,
» yes. The Forest Grove City Council approves resolution 2026-35
with a 6 to0 vote. Before we move on, I just would like to say that prior to
being mayor, when my predecessor, Mayor Traxx, did this and would mess up in my
brain, I was like, "Come on, this is not that difficult. Get it together." And
now I seem to mess up all the [laughter] time. So, just a little reflection of
maybe I should be a little bit more graceful. Okay. Anyways, uh we're going
to move on to resolution 2026-36. And I'm going to continue to let
Director Lane. All right. Very good. Thank you. Um
before we went to bid on the two parcels um down on Gails Creek, I approached
Metro. Uh as previous conversations with them, they had indicated to me that they
had the ability to help with land acquisition should an opportunity arise.
I reached out to them. Uh they said, "We can't move that quickly. Hopefully you
can. Uh and if you can, we'll help you out." So they they are helping us out
significantly by reimbursing the purchase of the two parcels um at a
total of $200,000. So uh net cost to the city is 17,800 for
those two parcels. >> Is how much? Can you say that again?
» 17,800. That's
that's so nice. >> I'm telling you partners are partners.
It's where it's where the magic happens. Metro. Thank you, Metro.
Cool. Any Is that the end of your staff report? I don't want to cut you off.
» Yeah, that's it. Okay. So, are there any questions for Director Lane? Yeah, I
think you know I would like to just say yes. Partnerships. It's where the the
secret sauce is at, right? Um is working together. So, are there no other
questions? Will the city m Oh, I need a motion. Jeez Louise.
Okay. Can I please get a motion? >> I move that we approve.
» Jeez Louise. >> Man, I'm struggling. Okay. Councelor
Martinez made the motion and councelor Shiml seconded resolution 2026-36.
And now I should ask for discussion. Seeing no discussion, will the city
manager please read the resolution by title only?
» Resolution 2026-36. authorizing the city manager to enter
into an intergovernmental agreement with Metro to receive acquisition funding.
» Okay, great. And all those in favor, please say I.
» I. All opposed? >> Hearing none. Resolution 2026-36
is approved by the Force City Council in a six to zero vote.
» Thank you, Director Lane. On a side note, I want to give her and props for
moving on this so fast and seeing the seeing the value in this land because
that was a huge purchase in a short amount of time and I know it took a a
lot of like a lot of getting everything lined up really fast and you did a great
job with that. >> Thank you very much for being nimble and
working with me. So [laughter] yeah, >> thank you. Thanks so much. Thank you,
Councelor Marshall. Next up is resolution 20226-37
and I'm this has to do with an IGA with clean water services and I will have our
assistant city manager Kim Eel present.
Thank you and good evening mayor and council. The resolution before you this
evening authorizes the city manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement
with clean water services that delineates specific responsibilities of
each party for storm water and sewer services. The original IGA was adopted
in 2005 and has been amended subsequently. All cities within
Washington County have an IGA with clean water services. Beginning in early 2025,
CWS undertook a process to update their IGAs with all partner cities with the
intention of seeking consistency among cities in operating and managing program
responsibilities. The city and CWS staff have met several times and have reached
consensus on the IGA before you for consideration this evening. While many
core elements of the 2005 IGA remain in place, the proposed IGA updates and
modernizes the previous agreement. Two notable changes to the IGA are one, the
addition of language that allows cities to bill CWS for billing, collecting, and
remitting sewer and storm water revenues to CWS. The cities are collaborating
with each other and CWS on a consistent billing approach and are expected to
have a process in place soon. This proposal will result in increased
revenue to the city of Forest Grove to pay for a portion of the city's utility
billing expenses. The second notable change is changes the
sanitary sewer SDC allocation from 80% CWS and 20% city to 96% CWS and 4% city
effective July 1st, 2027, so next fiscal year. Coupled with the change in the SEC
allocations is an increase in cost sharing eligibility for the city of
Forest Grove for replacement sewer pipes 12 in and greater. This means a city can
now split replacement costs 50/50 with CWS for 48,000 linear feet of pipe
instead of bearing the entire cost. Based on the new cost sharing formula,
the city estimates 10 to 16 million in savings and replacement costs, far
exceeding what would have been collected in SDC revenues under the previous
allocation methodology. This SEC allocation change makes Forest Grove
consistent with all other cities in Washington County and will lead to
significantly reduced future capital expenses. Thank you and happy to answer
any questions. Thank you. Any questions for assistant city manager?
» Okay, hearing no questions. What's the wish of the council?
Move that we approve resolution 202637.
» Second. Thank you. Resolution 2026-37
was moved by councelor Martinez and seconded by councelor Marshall. Any
discussion? Well, I'm excited about the billing
thing. I mean, I know that seems pretty pretty small, but I think that's really
important and I Anyways, I'm pretty excited to hear that that's getting done
and the future. I mean, at first I was like, wait, what are we getting out of
this? But the infrastructure costs are going to be yeah I think the I mean
again what Ann said right partners secret sauce
» okay so that's my discussion I don't see any other discussion um will the city
manager please read the resolution by title only
» resolution 2026-37 authorizing the city manager to execute
an intergovernmental agreement with clean water services regarding
cooperative management. [clears throat] >> Thank you very much. All those in favor,
please say I. >> I.
» I. >> I.
» All those opposed. Hearing none. Resolution 2026-37
is approved by the Force City Council in a 6 to zero vote.
Okay. And next up is our assistant or nope. Next up is our city manager Jesse
Vanderan talking about our legislative priorities to the League of Oregon
Cities. >> Thank you, mayor, members of the
council. Um, each even-numbered year, the League of Oregon Cities, of which
the city is a member, asks each city to submit their top five legislative
priorities that they would like the League of Oregon Cities to focus on
during the legislative cycle. The League of Oregon Cities has several lobbyists
that go down and represent their city members, of which we are one. Once all
the city's votes are tallied, the LC board of directors will review and
approve a final set of legislative priorities at exo at its October
meeting. The city council met in a work session on July 13th and arrived at a
consensus to submit the following overall top five priorities not
necessarily in priority order. The priorities are public meetings law
clarity, infrastructure funding, land availability and land use streamlining,
2027 transportation package, and full funding and streamlining for housing
production. I'd be happy to answer any questions that the council may have.
Okay, >> any questions for Jesse? Hearing
none. What is the wish of the council?
Move that we pass resolution 2026-38.
Thank you. Second. >> Thank you.
Resolution 2026-38 was moved by councelor Martinez and
seconded by council president Valenuela. Any discussion?
Just for the audience, just update. We had a work session about this a month
ago. It's like I just wanted we're not just like picking and choosing. It's not
a multiple choice like state test. Okay. I guess I don't need to say that. But
anyways, let's say Andrew, please read this by title only.
» Resolution 2026-38 authorizing the city manager to submit
city council legislative priorities to the League of Oregon Cities.
» Thank you. All those in favor, please say I. I.
» All those opposed. Hearing none. Resolution 2026-38
is approved by the Force City Council in a 6 to zero vote. Next up on the agenda,
I believe is hang on. I guess I have to turn my page. I think it's our labor
agreement, but I can't turn my agenda. All right.
Resolution 20-2639 authorizing
execution of a labor agreement. And I'm gonna turn it over to our human resource
director, Brenda Camele, and then also Emily. I don't know your last name by
heart, but >> Gmont.
» Gmont. That's right. Emily Gmont, um, our city attorney.
» All right. Well, good evening, council. Um, we are here today with the good news
that through bargaining, we have reached tentative agreement on a new collective
bargaining agreement with ASME. Um this as we know the CDA uh we're currently
under expired on June 30. So we're in a holdover period right now. Um ask me has
already ratified the CBA. It was a unanimous vote which is always
encouraging and we are here to advocate that council also ratify the CBA. Um
I'll quickly go through some highlights. So um you know the money is always the
big part of a new contract. So through your contract here are the wage
increases. In year 1, employees will receive a 2% market adjustment to bring
them within competitive market range and then a 4% cost of living adjustment.
Year two is a 3.75 cost of living adjustment and year three is a 3.25%
cost of living adjustment. Um, one of uh the city's goals and actually as goals
too, a shared goal for this bargaining session was to promote recruitment and
retention of employees. um recruit new employees, retain the employees that we
currently have. So to that end, there were some other changes we agreed to in
the contract. Um we made some adjustments to vacation so that
employees acrew more vacation earlier in their tenure with the city. Um we made
some changes to some longevity incentives. one in particular um when
employees [clears throat] reach certain yearly milestones of continuous
employment in the city they get you know cash sums added to their VA accounts. Um
we did some work on the positions in the public works department. Added some new
positions so that employees have um opportunities to move into um more
advanced positions for professional development, bringing a skill set to the
city that the city would find very valuable for operations and then made
some spot adjustments to existing positions um spots on the wage scale to
stay competitive within the market. We also um were protective of the city's
financial position. One of the um things we bargained for was is a CDL
reimbursement program. So, city pays to send employees to go get their
commercial driver's license. Pays for the employees time and training, pays
for the cost of receiving that training, which is a big investment for the city.
Um and it's beneficial for both the city and the employee. So, we have language
now in the CBA that um would allow the city to recoup some of those costs if
the employee were to leave under certain circumstances within 2 years following
their date of getting that CDL. Um insurance was another feature of
bargaining. Um city's insurance contributions remain at 95%. So, city
pays 95% of the health insurance premiums, employee pays 5%. That's a
carryover from the contract language we're currently under. Um, but I think a
great thing that we have agreed to is that upon ratification, if that's if
that's the way council votes tonight, um, the city and ASME are convening a
task force to look into alternative sources of health insurance coverage.
You know, right now, um, for ASME, CIS provides the policies. There have been
pretty substantial increases in cost to those. So, the point of this task force
is to go out and see what other options might be available so that employees
have the insurance that they need at a cost that makes sense for both the city
and the employee. Um, Brenda, anything you'd add?
» No, I just want to quickly recognize our bargaining team. That was excellent. Um
besides Emily and myself, um our assistant city manager was over there um
she was on the bargaining team, very helpful for us and great initiation for
her into um the union side of things here at the city. Um Greg Robertson,
public works director and Colleen Winters, library director. So very
excellent team. >> Yes, I will give another shout out to
the basket of snacks that Kim brought to every bargaining session. That was a
very valuable member of the city's bargaining team. And I'd also like to
thank the ask me bargaining team. Um we did a lot of good work at the table. Um
really appreciate working with all of your ask members who are on that
bargaining team and then also the ask me representative who joined us. But a
quick question can you explain to I mean maybe the people that aren't watching
but people who are watching like the difference the diverse job
classifications in this labor organization.
» Yeah. Apps is our largest bargaining unit. It encompasses everything from our
janitors to our planners to administrative staff to the employees
who basically do everything that is not covered by IBW, fire, police um or
management. So it is our broadest most diverse union um and has all levels of
employees. So I think it's a a big challenge for them to get their members
together and on the same page and even come up with bargaining priorities. So,
I think that they had really good leadership this year
» and um what I'm hearing the employees are very happy with with the contract
and that the city has recognized them for the work that they're doing.
» Great. Thank you. Any other questions? Okay. What is the wish of the council
that we pass uh resolution [clears throat] 2026
38? Second.
Yeah, you're good. Thank you. Resolution 202639,
I think. 39. No, no, right. Yeah, 39 was moved by councelor Martinez and seconded
by councelor Shiml. Any discussion? >> Yeah, I just think I think we all just
think great work and then also great work from as you said, ask me. I mean
that that is a really large complex. I mean everything that we have in the city
is because of the employee. I mean, like literally throughout the whole city, uh,
they show up for us. So, thank you. It's I think it's difficult to to negotiate
all of those roles and make sure people are happy and I think you all did a
really good job. So, um, thank you. Any other discussion?
Seeing none, um, will the city manager please read the resolution by title
only? Resolution 2026-39 authorizing execution of a labor
agreement between the city of Forest Grove and the American Federation of
State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 3786
Council 75 effective July 1st, 2006 26 and expiring June 30th, 2029.
» Great. Thank you. Will the city recorder please call roll?
» Councelor Marshall, >> yes. Council President Valenza,
» yes. >> Councelor Shimal,
» yes. >> Councelor Falconer,
» yes. >> Councelor Martinez,
» yes. >> Mayor Wzel,
» yes. Resolution 2026-39 is approved by the Force Road City
Council in a 6 to0 vote. Thank you very much. Um, you're not off yet. So, we're
going to move on to resolution 2026-40, adopting city managers performance
review. >> I'm going to let Emily take this. She
was directly involved. >> All right. final step here. Um, so today
is the day where the council makes the official decision whether to adopt the
performance review that has been previously discussed with their city
manager in executive session. I believe that was back in June June 22nd.
» Mhm. Correct. So I mean is there any questions about
Okay. What's the wish of the council? >> So I move that we pass resolution
202640. >> Thank you.
Second. >> Thank you. Resolution 2026-40
was moved by councelor Martinez, seconded by councelor Shiml. Any
discussion? I'm going to ask our assistency manager
to read it by title only because Jesse kind of gets weird about this stuff.
Sorry, Kim, to put you on the spot. I should have told you before.
» That's okay. I found it. Uh, resolution 2026-40 adopting city manager
performance review. >> Okay. All those in favor, please say I.
I. I..................... All. Those opposed. Hearing none. Resolution
2026-40 is approved by the force grow city
council in a 6 to0 vote. And then we're going to move on to resolution 2026-41
authorizing compensation for city manager. I'm going to turn it over to
Brenda to give us some information about comparables and give us the the 411. So
the final step then um the evaluation has now been completed and adopted by
council. So the final step is to set the c the compensation for the city manager
position for the upcoming year and it will be retroactive to July 1st um and
also the vehicle allowance for the city manager position. Um last year you might
remember that we found that our city manager position was over 5% um more
than that below the market for our peer cities in our area. The council took two
important steps at that point. They gave the position not only a cost of living
adjustment but also deferred compensation which was something that we
were seeing a lot of peer cities doing with their city managers which so when
you look at just base compensation the position was already 5% below the
market. When you look at total compensation it was much more out of the
market. So the council adopted last year a 5% deferred compensation
ongoing for the city manager as well. So what we found this year which is good
news is that I think that worked and kept our position in the market. So on
base compensation alone um with the 10 peers who I was able to get data from in
our in our area it put the city manager's position at 74% above market
median which basically means it's at median.
» Yeah. with the total compensation, including things like retirement,
deferred comp, um, vehicle allowance, FIBA contributions, those kind of
things. The position is 1.79% above market median, which, you know,
with the comparables, I'm very pleased with that. So, thank you for the work
that you did [clears throat] last year because no matter how Jesse feels about
not wanting us to give him pay increases, we need to stay competitive
in the market um, for this position. Mhm.
» And so I wanted to bring to the council um this evening just some information
about so the market position is is good in terms of our policies on
compensation. The council then gets to decide how much they want to provide for
percentage increase and we always or generally do the same percentage
increase for the vehicle allowance that we do for the
uh for the cost of living increase. So I put together some numbers um for three
3.2 3.25.
Shouldn't have eaten those nuts before I came. Um 3.5, four, and 5%. Just to have
numbers available for the council. To give you a little bit of context, um our
unrepresented employees received 3.25% cost of living increase on July 1st. Um
as you saw, the um IBW got significantly higher. Of course, each of these groups
have different markets and different factors that are considered and asked
me, you know, just received a 6% but so the UNREP um is 3.25%. If you want any
more information I can provide, please let me know. Yeah. So,
I feel well we I think I mean I I guess it's
more for discussion. I don't have a question for you. Sorry, I caught myself
not doing the right process. Any questions for Bren for Brenda?
Um if when we decide on the percent the
cola increase, you'll help me fill out the what that equals to per month and
Okay, let's um so let's can I have a process question? I don't
know if it's maybe for Mariah. So, in order to have I'm kind of like in my I'm
already been really bad tonight about my order of operations, but we can't really
have a motion until we have the amount and I can't. So, I want to discuss
before the motion. Can I do that? Usually, it's a motion, the discussion,
the right >> I I think you would still make a motion
to adopt the resolution. So, you could have the discussion and then you would
then make a motion to amend the resolution.
Okay, let's do that then. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt
resolution 202641 to discuss compensation?
» A motion to approve resolution 202641.
» Perfect. >> Second.
» Great. Thank you. Resolution 2026-41 is moved by councelor Marshall and
seconded by councelor Martinez. And now let's start discussing the cola, the
bargaining, right? the numbers. Um, so what I was going to say is that,
you know, the complexity of being a full service city and having lots of unions
and all these things going on is constantly the balance game of like
making sure we're doing what's fair to the person in the moment, I think, and,
you know, backing it up with data. And we made our jump for Jesse last year,
and I really, really appreciate it. I think and I think we are all in
agreement that we needed to correct that and he's been doing a great job. I think
where I'm at right now is that I would like just to keep it at 3.25 as the
unrepresented groups and have that be the same. Um, and I think that
just I just think that that's what I would like to do stand alone. I think
it's the best policy, but then also as you're finishing up other negotiations
like just to make sure I don't know that's my
I'm not going to say anything more about it but that's my
» I agree I hear [clears throat] an agreement from
and then council uh councelor Falconer what do
you think okay cool okay so if we do 325 so if I wrote it out
well I got to we got to get the numbers first let's try to do so with the
amending motion I think do we need to say like section one. Do I Okay, let me
just ask. Right. So, can we do a motion saying we want to have a bullet increase
of 3.25%. And that would be good enough or do we
need to say the city manager's base salary shall be as follows?
This this blank per month this this annually and then the car.
» I think you would make a motion to modify or to amend sections one and two.
um or the exact amount 3.25% increase. >> Um
I'll chime in. Yes, you can just say 3.25% increase because we know what the
amount is right now and the numbers will follow from the percentage increase.
» Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Go for it.
» I'll make a motion uh to amend resolution 2026-41
to reflect a 3.25% 25% for section one and 3.25 for section two.
» Okay, I second. >> So the amended motion with the 3.25%
coal increase was moved by councelor Shiml and seconded by councelor
Martinez. Any discussion on that? Okay. Now when we vote are we we're
voting just on the amendment or can is it just the vote now?
» So you had an open motion on the table. You move to amend the motion. You vote
on the amendment and then the motion becomes the amended motion and then you
vote on the >> We're going to vote twice.
» Yeah. And then I have a suggestion at some other point to streamline this for
you in the future. >> Amazing. Thank you.
» But that's Yeah. Two votes. Here we go. >> Okay. And thanks. I'll take that,
you know, recommendation. Okay. So, uh, do we have to read it by title
assist manager? Can No, not the amendment one. Okay. So, let's take a
vote on the amend amended motion. Uh, Mariah, can you please call for the
vote on the amendment? >> Council President Venuela,
» yes. >> Councelor Shimal,
» yes. >> Councelor Falconer,
» yes. >> Councelor Martinez,
» yes. >> Councelor Marshall,
» yes. >> Mayor Wel,
» yes. So, the amended resolution qualifying the same manager for a 3.25%
25% increase has been approved. Is there any discussion on resolution 202641
with the cola included? >> I have a sorry quick question. Is that
3.25 you're carrying it through sections one and two?
» Yes. >> Okay.
» That was my understanding. >> Yeah.
» That was his motion. >> Okay.
» So, we're going to say yes. Okay. Um Okay. Can we
say city manager will you please read the resolution by title only?
» Absolutely. Resolution 2026-41 authorizing compensation for city
manager for fiscal year 2026 to 27. >> Thank you very much. Amai, will you
please call for the vote? >> Councelor Shimal,
» yes. >> Councelor Falconer,
» yes. >> Councelor Martinez,
» yes. >> Councelor Marshall,
» yes. Council President Venuela, >> yes.
» Mayor Wel, >> yes. Resolution 2026-41
has been approved by the Force City Council in a 6 to zero vote. Thank you
very much for the work you all do and thank you for helping me get through
this. A little awkward dance. >> Thank you. Thank you. Okay, now we're
going to move on to item G, which is our council communication.
Uh, and I'm going to start with our council president, Valenuela.
Thank you, mayor. So, um
the there are three um activities that I would like to highlight
uh with the library uh commission for which I am the leazison.
Um, we were invited to a tour of our police station
and uh I had done that a few years ago when I first came to council
and uh that was in 2019.
So what I can say and ask is for my community, our community,
um to support our police department um this November. Um the situation, the
building, the need, it's just I found it to be kind of precarious to be honest.
like since 2019 until now. Um it has deteriorated more.
They need more space. We always want to support our police force.
There are a lot of community members that are always advocating for the blue.
Um so let's show that uh this November
because they really need our support. Um I also attended the uh policy
advisory board. This time we met in person which we do only once a year
during the month of August. We met in Cornelius at the library and we were
greeted by the city manager of Cornelius, Peter Brandon. And uh thank
you so much to him uh for his uh hospitality, for having us there, giving
us a a tour, a very quiet tour of the library cuz you know how libraries are,
right? So you can just walk around very quietly. H but it was really great to
see uh how the vision of that city when they worked on the project to renew uh
their downtown how it's becoming a reality.
uh already, you know, we having the library built over there with affordable
housing for seniors upstairs just above the library.
» Um and then um he took us on a tour to what used to be Cornelius Elementary
School and it's going to become
a the community center. They already have the basketball courts. So it just
really and a lot of space you know so it used to be a school. So you know for us
to build something like that it would be a huge task but they already have this
gift you know this school that they're purchasing from the school district
uh to make it their community center. and uh he explained to us, we looked at
the rooms, you know, and everything that they were planning on doing in that
space. We also looked at some slides of the
projects um that Cornelius has been able to fund uh to improve their streets,
especially sidewalks for people with disabilities. Um there were no sidewalks
in some streets there a few years ago. Uh but it's amazing how you know with
[clears throat] all the effort and uh uh CDBG uh funding you know how how much it
can help to change the community um just you know to make it a better place and
there I learned that their farmers market is right there in the Cornelius
parking lot. >> Uh so they're really you know making
their vision come true. So h it was a really nice gathering you know it was um
yes but sadly we also learned that a few of the members of the policy
advisory board are not going to run for reelection this November.
So you know counselors from other cities have decided that their time has come
you know to do other things. So um
that was kind of sad because you work with people for so many years. Um
so [clears throat] there's always a change in the dynamic of the whole thing
when someone of the team you know changes
or [clears throat] goes you know. Um so uh that's for that and uh the public
uh arts commission is getting ready and I suppose you did receive the the
invitation to the event. Uh they are working really hard to make that event
great for the community. [clears throat] is going to be at the library, our our
public library uh on September 26th.
Uh I believe it's from >> 4 to 6 or a couple of hours. Uh there
will be a lot of history, you know, of how art has become part of the city. Uh
the different projects that have been accomplished, different artists will be
present as well. And uh I invite the whole community um
to come and be part of that uh because you know that helps you see
what a special town we live in. Um so yeah those are those are the things I
wanted to to highlight and um yeah >> thank you council president. Those are
good uplifting and it's the I looked it up. It's on the 20th of
» September. 26. >> 20th. September 20th.
No, 26. >> That's what a
» I don't know. That's >> okay.
» But maybe not. But 4 that's what I have on my email.
» So I will I will look it up because I need to be sure.
» Sunday. I have Sunday, September 20th, 4 to 6, the 20th anniversary celebration.
It should be a good time. And yeah, if we can all make it, it would be great.
» Okay. I'll probably mention it next time, a
reminder. >> Okay, perfect. Um, okay. Next up is
Councelor Falconer. [clears throat]
» Um, thanks everyone. The, uh, just real quick, I'm on East Coast time, so I'm
going to keep my comments really short. Uh, the, uh, chamber is hosting the
cornrows fest is coming up, so September 19th. Please mark your calendar for
that. Um, also, you know, I just wanted to real quick, um, I know it's been
quite, um, there's been a lot of conversation online and in the news. Um,
and I just, as I was reflecting on the proclamation earlier tonight, uh, for
first responders, I was, um, you know, it's been really heavy on my heart. Um,
what happened over the weekend outside of city limits, my heart is just
breaking for those fam for the families, for those involved. Um, but also I've
been thinking a lot about um our firefighters and our um police officers
and all of the first responders who have been um who responded to the incident um
and also are responsible for investigating um the events. Um so just
been thinking a lot about um everyone who's who's been touched by that and
just want to say um I've been thinking a lot about that and I know all of
everyone in the community really is as well. So,
thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Falconer.
Councelor Marshall, >> um Ann had gone over most of what I was
going to discuss. That was uh the majority of our meeting. Um do you want
to give out a shout out to Cody for the WCK program this summer uh for nothing
but great things from from kids um along with the staff that's worked with it. I
know a handful of the kids that work there and they said they had a awesome
time and were sad to see it end. Um, one thing um, Future X has stepped down as a
leazison and it's now going to be Linda Harrington has stepped in to take that
place. >> Um,
that was um, mostly what I had actually the other thing was is that um, the
parks and recck board did agree with um, the B option during our work session as
well. I know they sent out that, but that was um they were all pretty excited
for that um that opportunity for that. Um our next meeting we will be holding
at the um police department as well to kind of switch it up one and two give it
a give everybody a kind of an idea of what it looks like there, what what
everything is there. Um and that is all I have for that.
» Okay, great. Thank you, Councelor Marshall. Councilor Martinez
had the sister city committee meeting last week. Um we will have our student
delegation here in Forest Grove October 20th to November 1st. We'll have 10
students. They're around 13 12 to 13 years old. Um and also two men and a
woman um teacher one who's uh I guess it was two teachers and well someone from
their welfare division.
Um you know the only thing other thing I want to say is um with the rural board
there's not a whole lot of information to give except that every meeting um
chief uh is sharing about the exceptional work
that we're able to do because of the bond that was passed with the extra
firefighters and we're able to most of the time
um staff to engines and so our um capabilities to respond to emergencies
is much better. >> That is really good. Thank you
» councelor Shamal. >> Thank you mayor. Um EDC was on sobatical
in August. Thank you Miles. Uh DV highway transit uh committee uh will
meet again at the end of uh September. uh they rotate around to different
municipal chambers uh and each time and they'll be here uh for the next meeting
on the 29th and then uh CCe also met at the uh uh
police station. So I it sounds like all the different committees commissions are
rotating in. Uh so especially for CC, it's good good uh awareness and uh a few
months ago an uh extended invitation to join her on a trip around the Emerald
Trail. So I I took her up on it and and last week we or no, it was just Yeah,
just last week. >> Last week
» um we took the gator, the city's gator and we went just the entire uh city
perimeter uh following the trail. We even went down into the field and got
different vantage points. So, I I definitely encourage folks to to take
advantage of of that if you're you're okay in the open air um uh vehicle. U
also introduce her to to uh our metro counselor Miles Palasio. So, Miles is
going to uh take uh go on a trip, too. >> Yeah. I actually spotted counselor Shiml
and Director Lane and Council Shiml was having it was like he was like a
four-year-old with his big tonking trucks. I was like, "Wait, cuz I'm
walking my dog doing my thing." And then I see this gator coming. I'm like,
"What, you know, the mayor's nosy. I'm like, "What is this person doing? What
is going on?" And then here's Brian with like the biggest smile ever and had a
great smile, too. So, highly recommend it. I was like, "Oh, it looks like
they're having all the fun." >> Okay. Sorry to interrupt. My bad. My
[clears throat] bad. >> Okay. Thank you very much. And then
we'll move to Jesse for his city manager report.
» Thank [snorts] you, mayor, members of the council. Um, a big thanks to our
communications staff who helped coordinate a tour with Congresswoman
Bonamichi's office. Mayor, I'm assuming you'll probably give us more details on
that. So, um, but a big thanks to the comm staff for doing that on on short
notice. Couple other updates. The economic development strategic plan is
being advertised. Um proposals are due September 1st. Um our civics academy
today is the last day to sign up. So if we have any last minute signups, it does
close at the end of the day today. Um August 3rd through the 24th was the sign
up period and the SE Academy starts on September 2nd. So that will be coming up
very soon. The annual community open house. I know this is a long ways off,
but just kind of telegraphing it now. It's tenatively scheduled for Tuesday,
October 27th. More details to follow on that. Um, building on the commissions,
boards and commissions having meetings at the police facility. The chambers
rise and shine will also be held at the police facility on September 3rd at 8
a.m. Um, staff is finalizing a contract with
David Evans and Associates. They're a leading land use planning firm here in
the state of Oregon. uh we are hiring them to audit our comprehensive plan and
propose an update process. So we are in the final stages of that. More to follow
later. Uh congratulations to Greg and the public works team. The public works
administrative building remodel and expansion was opened and received their
certificate of occupancy on August 7th. So kudos to them. The project was a
great success. We used a construction manager general contractor method. It
ended up saving us some money and um and and uh improving the timeline by nearly
a month. So, we did finish ahead of schedule and actually under budget. I
just I know I mentioned this last time, but I just kind of want to reiterate it.
We have received uh several positive comments about adding some additional on
street parking spaces in downtown by restriping. So, again, kudos to Greg and
Crystal and their team for doing that. Um adding 20 spaces in the downtown. to
build on what councelor Martinez was mentioning earlier, the Steve, the chief
has been keeping really good track about kind of the impacts of the additional
positions that were added as a result of the levy. June, which is normally a very
busy month, and we have quite a few firefighters that take vacations during
that month, uh we increased our response uh units where we have two unit staff
instead of just one. Previously, it was 37% of the time, but because of the levy
in the month of June, it was 87% of the time. So, a nominal 50% increase. So,
kudos. 26 of 30 days, we had two emergency response units out and able to
respond to emergencies in our community. And then last but not least, if you
haven't had a chance to drive by the East Side Park, please do so. It is on
track. It's nearing completion. And uh stay tuned for a ribbon cutting
announcement. And that's all I have. Thank you, Mayor.
» Great. Thank you, Jesse. Um, yeah, I guess I'll start with that. So, as Jesse
mentioned in his report in July, we had um I call it a field trip because I'm a
teacher uh about our East Side Forest Grove transportation projects and
Congresswoman Bonamichi came out and of course I took the opportunity Jesse like
ran through like oh we'll go this way and I was like well let's go down 19th
so we can show them the park as well because I think you know as we tell the
stories you know when we talk about community engagement and you know people
like to say what the city isn't doing or what we can do better. You know, we
really have as a council and I think as city staff invested in East Side Forest
Grove, we were reflective. We knew we needed a park there. We knew we needed
to, you know, improve our transportation, the walkability. Um, and
so anyways, I thought thought that was a great opportunity to show the
congresswoman who just as a friendly reminder, you know, gifted the city
$850,000 and currently I think she has another million trying to get to us.
We'll see how that pans out. Um, but it was wild because we lit I think
sometimes the congresswoman thinks we like plan things to look really bad
there and I'm like, "Nope, that's just a daily." So, she, you know, I felt bad
for uh Director Robertson. Greg's trying to explain this intersection at UT
Street and what's going to happen and she's just like keeps grabbing my arm.
She's like, "Oh my god, someone's going to cross that bus, that car." And
because that probably haven't been out there, but
there's this intersection that's really dangerous. Um, so anyways, that
was I think a worthwhile field trip. I still don't know. Jesse,
do you know why the midblock crossing is not going to be done till the end of the
year? >> It's something to do with hooking up to
the electrical system. All the infrastructure is put into place, but
getting the electrical system and the parts associated with a rapid flapping
be rapid flashing beacon has been the delay.
» Yeah. So, ODOT's doing that and that's again the midblock crossing at Rose
Grove to the bus station kind of by Pink Spoon. And then when ODOT's presenting
on that before that's like sometimes when you go on a field trip you're like
wait I don't like that answer because it was scheduled to be done by the end of
summer. It was going to be done the same time our park was done because I thought
we had this synergy going on like kids are going to walk from Rose. They're
going to safely cross TV highway to get to our new park. This is like in, you
know, in my head what I'm seeing like, hey, this is all going to work out
really well. And now it's not going to be done. It's going to be dark in
October. Kids are going to be walking to school in the dark. It's going to be no
flashing light. So anyways, ODOT, if you're listening,
it' be great if you could hurry up on that. But I think that overall we have
lots of good projects and that's an exciting time. Um that same day before
that field trip, Habitat had a ribbon cutting and two families got the keys to
their house. So that was really good. That's always a great, you know, as
councelor council president Valeno was talking about like those are
heartfilling moments. Um I did attend Toyama is a prefixure that our sister
city new zen is part of and so they had their 30th anniversary of state
um sister sister statehood, I guess. Uh, so that was at the Japanese gardens. I
attended that. Um, I did forward him and Jesse an email from the MMC wanting data
on how much funding or how much money the city has spent providing services
addressing homelessness. Uh, because there's going to be some SHS
conversations and Metro conversations coming up. and I'm going to be
presenting at the Westside Economic Alliance meeting on September 17th. So,
I'm just putting that out there like I would like to meet with him and Miles to
kind of make sure we have a presentation put together. Um, so I'm prepared for
that. And then just a couple friendly reminders, September is a really busy
month in Forest Grove. So, the cornrows chalk art, the 20th anniversary of the
public arts commission. Um, those calendars are going to fill up. And then
also, you know, I, you know, shout out to councelor Martinez and councelor
Shimble for going to the market about the police facility bond. Um, you know,
just anything we can do to get that out there. And by the way, another little
scheduling thing is that I received an email today from
somebody and they want to have an interview with the chief and I before
Friday about the police bond. So if I don't know we is that can I ask you guys
to help me arrange that or do I need to do that outside of staff time?
» Yeah. No, we can certainly help arrange that.
» Okay, cool. And I think let's see. I have a lot of stuff on here, but we
still have another meeting after this. Um, I would like to address similar to
what councelor Falconer said, the tragedy that happened this weekend
outside of Forest Grove and the Gails Creek community is heartbreaking. Um, I
know it's probably frustrating to some of our community member, we because we
are a close-knit community, people reaching out to all of us saying, "Hey,
mayor, what's going on? Like, what can you tell us?" Um,
you know, and what I've been telling people is like, I really can't tell you
anything other than I feel terrible for the family and friends of the victims.
And then also, you know, the responders, the first responders, the public safety,
the police, the fire that come um those rippling effects and with school
starting, I don't know. I just have a lot of concerns. But um I I just know
too in our heart that force grow community will come together to support
that family. Um and so and our you know and our police and fire. So with that
I'm going to adjourn this meeting but I'm going to ask you stay for our UR
meeting. Okay. And with that oh but except councelor Falconer you're on East
Coast time. If you don't want to stay it's your call.
So meeting adjourned.